An Overview of the Physiological and Pathological Role of Mast Cells in the Central Nervous System

Neurological disorders present a major group of diseases with the global prevalence of 6.3%. They are responsible for 12% global mortality. Mast cells are one of the most abundantly present cell of the immune system in the connective tissue and the central nervous system is not an exception. In this article is presented a review of studies on mast cells regarding their physiological role in cental nervous system. We also disscuss their role in several conditions like: multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, cerebrovascular disorders and central nervous system trauma, epilepsy, seizures and tumors. Finally, we evaluate whether they can be used as a targed for pharmaceutical treatment.

Neuroinflammatory responses of microglia in central nervous system trauma

Although relatively few in number compared to astrocytes and neurons, microglia demonstrate multiple, varied neuroimmunological functions in the central nervous system during normal and pathological states. After injury to the brain or spinal cord, microglia express beneficial pro- and anti-inflammatory phenotypes at various stages of recovery. However, prolonged microglial activation following injury has been linked to impaired parenchymal healing and functional restoration. The nature and magnitude of microglial response to injury relates in part to peripheral immune cell invasion, extent of tissue damage, and the local microenvironment.